Unit information: Scientific Communication in 2012/13

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Unit name Scientific Communication
Unit code EASCM0003
Credit points 10
Level of study M/7
Teaching block(s) Teaching Block 1A (weeks 1 - 6)
Unit director Professor. Mike Benton
Open unit status Not open
Pre-requisites

n/a
Co-requisites

n/a
School/department School of Earth Sciences
Faculty Faculty of Science

Description including Unit Aims

A unit developing skills IN oral, written and multimedia scientific communication, so as to present scientific results and hypotheses in the primary scientific literature, in other kinds of review and popular literature, and as talks at conference, in authoritative and convincing presentations utilising the most effective text and illustrations. Cognate themes important for scientific researchers are developed, including scientific ethics, career development, and research planning and funding.

Intended Learning Outcomes

The learning outcomes of this unit are all practical. Such practical skills include the ability to:

  • Write a coherent report about basic scientific results
  • Follow 'instructions to authors' precisely, when relevant.
  • Produce a persuasive written account arguing in favour of a particular point.
  • Prepare and present an authoritative and convincing talk.
  • Produce basic web pages, incorporating effective use of text and illustrations
  • Distinguish fact from interpretation in preparing a report
  • Arrange information in a logical fashion.

Teaching Information

Lectures and practicals.

Assessment Information

The participants in Scientific Communications include Year 4 MSci Environmental Geoscience/ Geology/ Palaeobiology & Evolution students, MSc Palaeobiology, Natural Hazards and ESS students, and new PhD students. Assessment is handled differently for each group. New Ph.D students are asked to prepare a personal web page. L4 MSci students will be assessed on aspects of their Research Project preparation and the week-4 Quiz. For MSc students, the requirements will be set out by your course tutor.

Reading and References

Geowriting, produced by the American Geological Institute, is strongly recommended. We urge students to read this, or one of the many available books on scientific writing methods. Classics like Ernest Gower's 'Plain English' and a decent dictionary will also help.

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